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Approved by executive director of Office of Communications and Public Relations on June 13, 2024, and the assistant vice president of GCU marketing on June 17, 2024.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
There's something universally comforting about sharing ice cream with friends. On college campuses across the country, a trip to Dairy Queen isn't just a quick snack run — it's a cherished ritual that can foster camaraderie and create lasting memories.1 Whether students are debating over classic flavors or daring each other to try the newest concoction, these ice cream outings are a perfect way to unwind, connect and indulge in a little sweetness.
Grand Canyon University, in partnership with Grand Canyon Education, wanted to know which flavors are fueling the study sessions and bonding breaks across the nation. Do the original flavors that first hit the menu in 1985 still reign supreme today?2 We turned to Google Trends to map out the most popular Dairy Queen Blizzard flavors in the U.S. Read on to learn what we found.
But the classic Dairy Queen Blizzard flavors aren't everyone's favorite. In states like the District of Columbia and Tennessee, the whimsical Cotton Candy Blizzard captures the spirit of summer carnivals, offering a seasonal delight that becomes a sought-after favorite each year.10 This treat reflects a nostalgic joy and a penchant for flavors that transport consumers back to carefree days.
In states like Florida, Maryland and Wyoming, the Royal New York Cheesecake Blizzard takes the crown.11 This flavor is for the refined palate, featuring real chunks of cheesecake blended with creamy soft serve. It reflects a cosmopolitan flair, appealing to those who appreciate a dessert that brings a slice of New York's famed culinary finesse to their local Dairy Queen. This Blizzard Treat not only satisfies the sweet tooth but also connects fans to the broader, beloved tradition of New York cheesecake.
The Snickers®, Heath® and Brownie Batter Blizzards are tied in popularity, each offering a unique nod to classic desserts that many Americans grew up enjoying.12,13,14 The Snickers® Blizzard, cherished in states like Minnesota and South Dakota, and the Heath® Blizzard, preferred in Arizona and Washington, cater to those who love a crunchier texture in their desserts. These blizzards encapsulate the joy of turning a favorite candy bar into a refreshing ice cream treat, combining nostalgia with innovation.
Similarly, the Brownie Batter Blizzard stands out in Illinois and Missouri, providing a gooey, rich chocolate experience that evokes the comforting essence of freshly baked brownies, chilled to perfection.
Unique in its standing, the M&M's® Milk Chocolate Candies Blizzard is the top pick only in Delaware, making it a distinct favorite.15 The colorful candy shells mixed into soft serve offer a fun, playful texture and taste that resonates with Delawareans, perhaps mirroring a state identity that is vibrant and diverse.16
When Dairy Queen first opened in 1940, the Blizzard wasn’t an option on the menu. It wasn’t until 1985 that the frozen treat made its debut.1 Now, it’s one of the most beloved choices at the shop.3 So, which flavors are America’s favorites?
From the nutty crunch of the Turtle Pecan Cluster to the sweet shock of Cotton Candy, regional preferences showcase a diverse palate that transcends the mere notion of a frozen treat, becoming a part of each state’s local flavor.
The Turtle Pecan Cluster Blizzard reigns supreme in 13 states, including Alabama, Colorado and Texas, suggesting a nationwide affinity for its rich, nutty flavor that perhaps echoes the country's love for indulgent, comfort desserts.4,5 This Blizzard Treat’s popularity spans from the southern heat of Georgia to the northern chill of Michigan, illustrating its universal appeal across varying climates and cultures.
Not to be outdone, the Oreo® Cookie Blizzard captivates taste buds across the nation from Alaska to New York, embodying a classic flavor beloved by all ages.6 Eleven states claim this cookies and creme treat as their favorite, making it the second most popular in the country. Oreo® is the best-selling cookie brand in the world, so it’s no surprise that people love it when added to their ice cream, too.7
The Reese's® Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard, a concoction that perfectly combines the salty-sweet allure of Reese's® Peanut Butter Cups with creamy vanilla soft serve, claims the third spot in our national Blizzard Treat rankings.8 This flavor is a top choice in states like Arkansas, Idaho and Nebraska, resonating particularly well in regions known for their love of hearty, comforting foods. It’s also loved in Pennsylvania, perhaps due to the proximity of Hershey, PA — the birthplace of Reese’s® in 1928.9
To explore the most popular Dairy Queen Blizzard in each state, we started with a list of the 19 Blizzard Treats currently featured on their menu as of May 2024. We analyzed Google Trends search interest for each Blizzard flavor to map out what each state is searching for most. This data covers two decades, from 2004 to 2024, allowing us to capture evolving public interest. We used high search interest as an indicator of popularity.
Google assigns a value from 0 to 100 to each search term, reflecting its frequency compared to all other searches in a region. A perfect score of 100 indicates the highest popularity. This method allows us to see the relative popularity of different search terms across states. By utilizing this approach, we were able to identify which search terms are more consistently popular in certain areas compared to others. This resulted in the discovery of the most beloved Blizzard Treat in every state!
Our delightful analysis of America’s favorite Dairy Queen Blizzard flavors offers a sweet glimpse into the diverse tastes and treats that captivate ice cream lovers across the country. This exploration is a testament to how these beloved frozen treats continue to bring joy and create connections.
At GCU, we are committed to nurturing each student’s potential and encouraging them to find joy and community in every aspect of campus life. Our community is continually inspired by the simple pleasures that bring people together, much like the universally loved Dairy Queen Blizzard Treat. With a Dairy Queen located just a few miles from our GCU campus, these treats offer simple joys that, when shared, can strengthen bonds and foster a sense of belonging among college students.
These favorite flavors are more than just ice cream — they symbolize the spirit of community and shared experiences that we at GCU hold in high regard. Their widespread appeal and enduring popularity resonate deeply with our values, serving as a delicious reminder of what is possible when we come together.
Explore more about how we integrate these principles into our campus life. Visit the GCU community page for more information on our programs and how to get involved.
